What to Expect on Your First Chiropractic Visit

So maybe you were thinking of going to try out a chiropractor for those nasty headaches you keep getting. Perhaps that nagging back is starting to act up more often is a motivator for seeking chiropractic care. Maybe a good massage isn’t enough to help you get a good night’s sleep. Where do you find a good chiropractor? My suggestion is that you ask a friend for a referral. If they are happy you have a place to start. You can call the doctor up and ask to speak to him or her. They should be willing to spend a few minutes to make you more comfortable with trying chiropractic care for the first time.

Let’s assume that you made an appointment. You should expect to fill out some paperwork so arrive a little early. If you have any imaging studies like previous xrays or mri’s bring them with you. The information is valuable and may save you the trouble and expense of having to take more this visit. The chiropractor will ask you many questions like any other doctor to learn more about your case. After that you will be examined with the main complaint area being focused on. You may need additional xrays or mri to allow the chiropractor to better understand your problem.

You may or may not receive treatment on this visit. A follow up visit is in order to tell you of the chiropractor’s finding and to give you a recommendation on treatment options. You should know that there are many different types of chiropractic treatments. It is entirely okay for you to ask about the treatment they have in store for you. The goal for your care should be as follows, it should be safe, comfortable and effective. With these goals in mind you should give chiropractic a solid try. By that I mean if your chiropractor says it will take 2 months for you to get better, heed that advice. Give it a chance by all means. You want results and your chiropractor wants results but sometimes results may take time. If you go into chiropractic care expecting instant results then do yourself a favor and don’t do it at all.

You should see some improvement within 8 to 10 treatments then maybe chiropractic isn’t right for you but you will only know if you give it a solid try. Chiropractic works well for the right conditions. This is where you need to work with your chiropractor and give honest feedback. If you are not improving or do not like the treatment simply speak up. Changes can be made to your care. The treatment you receive can and should be modified if results you were expecting do not appear to be forthcoming. You are in charge and should speak up if your results are not to your expectations. The full benefit of chiropractic care is not just being pain free. Your nervous system runs your entire body. When the nervous system is impeded you can experience a whole host of problems in addition to the pain that made you seek out chiropractic care in the first place.

Lastly, try and look at chiropractic care as an adjunct to a healthier life style and enhanced quality of life. If you care enough to exercise, eat right and get a good amount of rest chiropractic can be even more effective. It is not just about being pain-free it is allowing full expression of body’s ability to function.